Over a decade ago I discovered the one place where no matter what was happening in my life, I could feel calm, grounded, and powerful – my yoga mat.
Back then the yogic lifestyle was still fairly basic and grassroots. These days there is an entire culture supporting the yogi way making it easier than ever to get started with yoga.
Yoga can have a profound effect on your body, mind, and the way you navigate through the intricacies of daily life. Ultimately it will free your body, anchor your soul, and empower your spirit.
Though I started my yoga journey over ten years ago, I’ve never stopped feeling like a beginner. My practice has gone through cycles of high frequency and complete stagnation. You see yoga doesn’t come naturally to me; my body isn’t flexible by nature and yoga helps me to open up and to let go.
Every time I go back to class I love the feeling of putting on my yoga clothes, rolling out my mat, and being gentle enough with myself to simply honor where I’m at.
This year it was time for some new gear and I was grateful to have discovered Gaiam Canada (pronounced guy-um), a company whose mission and studio swag align with my yogi values. Gaiam is all about making yoga accessible to everyone, which is something that stands out to a long-time yogi like me who never quite feels like she fits in. Having a strong sense of inclusivity makes the practice all the more inviting and truer to what yoga is really all about – being true to you.
While the practice itself is simple in nature, as a beginner you may need some guidance on how to best get started.
As a first time yogi there are two classic questions that usually pop up: What do I wear and what will I need?
After dabbling in numerous different yoga brands, I was so happy when Gaiam asked me to try some of their apparel and accessories which immediately felt like home.
Here are my Gaiam favorites that I’d recommend to anyone prepping for their first yoga class:
Yoga Gear Staples
Comfort is essential in yoga so choosing the right gear is a good way to help get your body and brain into a more relaxed frame of mind.
Yogis these days don’t live in a very yogi-like world with all the constant hustle and bustle. It’s important to have a trusted bag where you can fit all of your real-world essentials easily and efficiently. This one has very comfortable straps that don’t cause any added shoulder strain, and gets you to and from the studio with everything you need.
Leggings are perhaps the most important piece. They need to have the right amount of coverage, movement, and stretch. These Luxe Yoga Leggings fit the bill and also bring on some Balinese inspiration to help get you more in touch with the free-spirit inside of you.
Your bra should be super breathable to help keep you cool and comfortable during your yoga class. The straps and support band on the Iris Layering Bra feel great on the skin and add support without compressing. Nothing jiggles or wiggles with this one!
It basically feels like you’re wearing nothing with the ridiculously soft fabric that makes the Harper Tank. It’s snug enough to keep you covered but loose enough for plenty of room to move freely and to breathe deeply.
Cute and comfy with a relaxed fit, this tunic also sports thumbholes which are always a bonus! The stunning Emery Cowl is easy to throw on and makes a fantastic transition piece if you’re grabbing a tea or green juice with a friend after class.
The Yoga Prop Trinity
Your three core props to help push through any resistance and to get you out of your comfort zone: a mat, block, and strap.
Your yoga mat will be your most useful and influential yoga investment! As someone who has very sensitive knees, this 6mm thick Premium Capri Yoga mat keeps me feeling grounded and supported while also providing plenty of cushioning. It’s nice and lightweight for those like me who walk to their yoga studio. I love the design and color on this one because it feels like a chakra inspired pattern that connects me to the next level of conscious awareness. With quality like this I trust that I’ll be making good use of this beautiful mat for my next ten years of yoga.
I’m really not the most flexible person and as a beginner yogi chances are you will benefit from having the added help of a solid yoga block. Basically it allows you to deepen your stretches and to reach proper alignment during poses when your body isn’t quite there yet. Plus you can use it in certain poses to enhance the restorative benefits of yoga.
Think of this strap as an extension of your body, allowing you to hold poses for longer than you normally could and helping you to reach further and to stretch deeper. I deal with a lot of muscle tightness due to stress so certain poses make me feel restless. Using my strap gives me the stamina to really cultivate my flexibility.
Getting started with these simple yoga essentials provides a healthy and sustainable beginning to your yoga practice. Much like all of this gear, yoga is a dependable and harmonious practice that will forever benefit your fitness, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing.
Remember – there is no limit with yoga. There’s just you, your intention, and your blooming yogi journey.
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Gaiam Canada sent me these items to try and I truly think they are great!